Dispatches

The Magnolia Chronicles, Days 2 & 3: Our Time In The Adjustment Bureau

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It pretty effectively goes without saying that filmmaking, especially independent filmmaking, is a process of adjustments.  The unexpected will happen; there’s no way around that.  And while I’m not entirely convinced it’s possible to expect the unexpected – if you could, it wouldn’t really be unexpected, would it? – it’s still possible to prepare for it, to be ready to make the necessary adjustments to get the shot.

Over the last few days of production, Magnolia has been an object lesson in how to be ready. Continue reading →

The Magnolia Chronicles, Day 1: Matters Of Degrees

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My first experience as a PrimaDonna production assistant (a PDPA, if you will) was on Dating Danielle, almost exactly 5 years ago this weekend.  I have a lot of great memories of those 48 hours, but one of the greatest has to be the spirit that developed between cast and crew, as we all bonded while shooting on one of the hottest days of the year.

August is funny that way… Continue reading →

Re-Arranged

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While I’ve enjoyed my recent forays into performance (from Site 13 to Glamour in Glitter to my appearance at Texas Comicon), at heart I’m really a behind-the-scenes guy.  I love the process, the work of making movies that most moviegoers may never see.

So I’m thrilled to be getting back to the other side of that camera for PDP‘s next project.

Continue reading →

Once More Around The Block

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It’s been another something of an arc in this blog (if you hold to the idea I suggested last time of blogs having arcs) that much of the time I spend in the arts is spent meeting and supporting young talent in all fields.  Given that last week’s performance at Morgan’s Wonderland included three young actors, the post it inspired could fall into that category.

I’d like to believe that with the proper development and encouragement, young talent is a renewable resource.  And last night was another case in point. Continue reading →

Hurtado In Wonderland

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It’s been something of an arc in this blog (if blogs can be said to have arcs) that I really haven’t seen as much of San Antonio as I should have by my age.  That’s pretty much all on me – in my younger years I wasn’t as interested in getting out and meeting people and experiencing the world.  It took a little time, and some much-valued inspiration from friends, but I did ultimately choose the path of engagement.  And I’d like to think I’m better off for it.

All of which should tag this post as #MakingUpForLostTime. Continue reading →

Making Site 13, or: I’m No Clark Gregg, But I Get By

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He’s the guy who’s tasked – a very disciplined guy in my opinion who possesses secrets that would turn your hair white – but at the same time he’s tasked with handling these kind of diva superheroes, you know? “Oh, really, Asgard? Dude, just get in the car.”

– Clark Gregg

Within the sci-fi genre, there’s a type of character we all know, and often love.  He’s a little more weary than the rest, maybe a little more cynical.  He knows more than he lets on, and usually more than he can let on.  If he hasn’t seen it all, he’s seen at least too much for surprise.  And he’s the guy who holds the story together.

You’ll know him as Walter Skinner.  Or Frank Black.  Or K.  Or Phil Coulson.

He’s The Agent.
Continue reading →

Give Me Some Light: Luminaria Reignited

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They say into each art some rain must fall… or at least they would if I were They.

It was a lesson learned back in March, when organizers of Luminaria: Arts Night in San Antonio found themselves faced with the threat of storms on the very day they had planned to hold the city’s biggest arts gathering.  After considerable discussion, they took the side of safety and postponed the event from March 10 to May 5.

I’d have been there under any circumstances, of course.  But as Nikki was scheduled to MC one of the music stages (having done the job before, two years ago, she was invited back for this year), I wanted to be there to support her and take pictures.  So, I made sure to keep the new day open on my calendar.

Continue reading →

A Curtain Call

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For five years, I’ve been blessed to work with Nikki and Chadd at PDP.  And in that time, as Nikki’s unofficial Boswell, I’ve done my best to chronicle the many chapters of her career as a performer, producer, promoter, and teacher.

With that in mind, today’s post will be rather bittersweet, as I’m writing the close to one of those chapters. Continue reading →

In Which A Strange Magic Visits The Cameo Theatre

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Many of us, if not most, have at one point or other in our lives shared a fascination with magic and magicians.  And many of us, if not most, may outgrow that.

This story is about what happens when you don’t. Continue reading →

A Teachable Moment

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As I write this, it’s just shy of five years since I met Nikki, and just shy of just shy since I informally joined the PrimaDonna team.  I’d like to think I’ve learned a few things about the industry in that time, but it’s still a surprise, and no little honor, when I’m asked to share my experiences with others.  Me being an ex-teacher and all, I have a hard time passing up that kind of opportunity.

And that kind of opportunity came again a couple of weeks ago, with an invitation from that man about two towns, Michael Druck.  Home from New York for a time, Michael (through his Actors Network SA) was hosting an Actors Expo, an event designed to bring talent together to network with and learn from industry professionals.  (Michael being Michael, the event also served as a fundraiser for the North East School of the Arts, one of the many essential organizations that foster and encourage the growth of young talent here in S.A.)

And that list of professionals turned out to include me. Continue reading →